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A new Construction and Scaffolding Academy has been launched in Antrim and Newtownabbey to help address growing skills shortages across Northern Ireland’s construction sector.
The initiative is being delivered by the Labour Market Partnership in collaboration with CITB, Advanced Scaffolding NI and several local employers.
The academy ran its first cohort from 17 to 28 November 2025. Over the two weeks, participants completed core safety training, gained CSR and COTS cards, visited live sites and met employers with genuine job openings.
The programme is built to give residents a clear route into work, pairing practical skills with targeted employability support.
The scheme is open to people living in the borough who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week. The Department for Communities fully funds it through the Labour Market Partnership programme.
Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the academy has been shaped around local industry needs. “This innovative training academy offers a real opportunity for local people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the construction industry,” she said. She noted that employers across the area continue to face shortages in key roles, particularly in scaffolding.
Advanced Scaffolding NI has played a significant role in building the programme. In a formal letter, the Mayor praised the contribution of Robert Andrews, saying he “went above and beyond” in helping design relevant course content and speaking directly with participants.
Robert Andrews
His involvement, she said, ensured the training reflected real job expectations and gave learners a clearer understanding of the sector.
The Mayor also highlighted his wider impact, describing his commitment to supporting unemployed residents as “an inspiration to other business owners in our Borough”. She noted his role in securing additional sponsorship and providing “exceptional dedication and expertise” throughout the process.
Safety equipment for the academy has been sponsored by Leach’s.
Applications for the programme are now open, and employers with vacancies or an interest in supporting trainees are being encouraged to get involved.
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Brogan Group has formed a new strategic alliance with Alimak Group’s Construction Division, bringing its CAS Common Tower and Atlas gantry systems to a much wider global market.
The deal means Brogan’s access technology will now sit alongside Alimak’s international fleet of hoists, transport platforms and mast-climbing equipment. Together, the companies aim to offer contractors a single, integrated solution for vertical access on complex projects.
The CAS Common Tower is already well established on major high-rise developments. It centralises hoisting operations so that multiple hoists land at one controlled point. Sites benefit from improved logistics, better use of ground space, and reduced crane dependency. It also helps cut the amount of time operatives spend working at height, improving safety across busy projects.
Wayne Smith, Director at Brogan Group, said the partnership represents an important step for both organisations. “This alliance marks a step change for the industry,” he said.
“The CAS Common Tower has already transformed project delivery on some of the world’s most complex builds. By combining that technology with Alimak’s global network, clients everywhere can now access safer, smarter and more efficient vertical access solutions as part of their projects.”
The alliance also extends the reach of Brogan’s Atlas gantry system.
Atlas is used on industrial and data-centre schemes, where it provides a faster and more controlled alternative to scaffold gantries. It is particularly suited to projects where tie-in points are limited or where large, fragile plant needs to be moved into place securely and with minimal disruption.
For Alimak, the partnership adds further technical depth to its existing offer. The company already supplies a broad portfolio of hoists, mast climbers and transport platforms, backed by its connected management platform, My Alimak.
The system gives users real-time equipment diagnostics, asset tracking, BIM integration and safety tools to help maintain uptime across large fleets.
Cameron Reid, Sales Director at Alimak Group’s Construction Division, said the agreement formalises a long-standing relationship. “Alimak Group and CAS have a long history of working together,” he said.
“This agreement reflects our continued commitment to safe, efficient vertical access and outstanding customer service in high-rise construction.”
Both organisations say the partnership strengthens their ability to support large-scale projects, from towers to data centres, with a coordinated system that combines design expertise and global service capability.
The Construction Industry Training Board has slashed grants and capped funding from January, citing rising demand but drawing criticism over timing and available reserves.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced sweeping cuts to its grant and funding programmes, prompting widespread concern across the construction sector about the impact on skills development and training provision.
The training body said the changes, which take effect from 8 January 2026, are necessary to manage a 36 per cent rise in demand for its services over the past four years, while the levy rate paid by employers has remained static. However, the move has drawn criticism over its timing, particularly given CITB’s reported reserves of £78.9 million.
From January, short-course training grants will be withdrawn except for a limited number of specialist courses. Employer Networks will become the main funding route, but match funding will be reduced to 50 per cent. Funding for Level 7 qualifications and attendance grants for longer qualifications will stop entirely, while all non-apprentice achievement grants will be capped at £600.
Further changes from 1 April 2026 will see large employers—those with more than 250 staff and over half their workforce in construction—moved to a new single funding model. These firms will no longer be able to access Employer Networks.
CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon said the decision was brought forward to prevent a surge in grant claims ahead of the cuts. “We want to apologise for the short notice for some of these changes, he said.
“While it is good news that there has been an increase in demand for our services, we have maintained the same levy rate. This means it’s necessary to bring forward changes to ensure we’re delivering the greatest value for the greatest number of employers.”
The announcement has prompted questions about whether such extensive cuts were unavoidable. According to Construction Enquirer, CITB’s most recent accounts show reserves of almost £79 million, with the board forecasting a fall to its minimum policy level of £50 million by March 2026.
The publication described the reforms as controversial, given the scale of available reserves and the likely impact on smaller firms already facing rising training costs.
CITB said the increased demand stems largely from growth in its Employer Networks and New Entrant Support Team (NEST), which have supported more companies without a corresponding increase in levy income. The organisation maintains that the reforms are designed to protect long-term funding stability and ensure support reaches as many employers as possible.
Employers are advised to check the CITB website or contact local engagement advisers for guidance on how the new rules will affect planned training programmes.
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A labourer suffered life-changing injuries after being pulled from scaffolding during an unplanned lifting operation on a London refurbishment project. Two companies have been fined a combined £800,000 for safety failings.
The incident happened on 15 April 2024 at Cathcart Hill, where Premier Property and Construction Limited was carrying out work for principal contractor Axis Europe Limited.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the load became trapped during a lifting task. When the labourer attempted to free it, the load released suddenly and dragged him over the edge of the scaffold.
HSE found that Premier Property and Construction Limited failed to plan, manage and monitor lifting operations. The company also allowed the use of unsuitable lifting equipment.
Axis Europe Limited was found to have insufficient oversight of its subcontractor’s work. Investigators said the principal contractor did not challenge missing detail on lifting procedures and failed to prevent the use of untested lifting accessories on site.
Axis Europe Limited pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £640,000, plus £4,787.59 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge, at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.
Premier Property and Construction Limited also pleaded guilty. The firm was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay the same costs and surcharge.
HSE inspector Andrew Pipe said the incident was “wholly avoidable” and highlighted the ongoing risks linked to poorly planned lifting operations.
He added that the fines should make clear that regulators and the courts “take failures to follow the regulations extremely seriously”.
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Yorkshire-based manufacturer ITP Ltd has opened a new Product Development and Testing Facility at its Easingwold headquarters following a major strategic investment.
Clive Dickin, Chief Executive of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), officially opened the new laboratory, which was completed after a five-month conversion of an existing warehouse. The facility is designed to enhance product testing and benchmarking across key performance areas including tensile strength, flame retardancy, water resistance, and long-term durability.
The new site features advanced testing equipment to assess ITP’s wide range of products, including protective building membranes, ground gas barriers, sheeting for scaffolding and temporary fencing, acoustic barriers, debris netting, defence products, and keder sheeting.
Managing Director Carl Morse said the investment reflects ITP’s commitment to maintaining industry-leading standards.
“We were delighted to welcome Clive to officially open our new testing facility. He was an especially fitting choice, as ITP has worked closely with the NASC in advocating best practice in the management and testing of safety and performance standards across the scaffolding and access sector,” he said.
“This new laboratory epitomises the robust approach required to uphold the highest standards, going above and beyond regulatory compliance. To supplement certified evidence from independent testing, we can now film and record our own in-house tests, with results captured and measured through integrated software to demonstrate the quality and reliability of our products.”
Sales Director Matt Thompson said the facility will also strengthen quality assurance for customers.
“Our testing facility will deliver direct benefits for customers by providing an additional layer of assurance for every order. In addition to pre-batch testing, we will also test product orders prior to despatch, giving clients further confidence in the consistent quality of our solutions.”
ITP supplies protective textiles and construction membranes to projects in more than 30 countries, supporting major infrastructure developments around the world.
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CISRS has reopened its search for a new Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) after the organisation confirmed that Professor David Wooff, appointed earlier this year, is no longer able to take up the role.The Committee is a central part of the governance reforms announced by the CISRS QAC Board, created to bring external scrutiny and stakeholder input into the scheme’s quality assurance work.
With the Chair position now vacant, CISRS has restarted the recruitment process and expects to make a new appointment early in the New Year. To prevent further delay, an interim Chair with experience in governance and trade association oversight has been brought in to lead the Committee with immediate effect.
Wayne Connolly, Chair of the CISRS QAC Board, said the interim arrangement was necessary to ensure progress continued.
He said: “While we are sorry not to be working with Prof Wooff, we remain committed to ensuring that the CISRS QAC Committee is able to provide external input and challenge to the QAC Board. Working with an interim solution will allow the important work of this Committee to get off the ground while we identify a new Chair.”
The Committee is expected to play a key role in shaping the implementation of CISRS reforms and in supporting industry standards during a period of significant change.
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Connolly Scaffolding Ltd has agreed a further £3.5 million investment in TRAD UK’s Plettac Metrix system, reinforcing a partnership that has shaped both businesses for nearly a quarter of a century.The Stockport-based contractor first opened a trade account with TRAD UK in 2002, when the company was operating with two scaffolders and a single vehicle. The relationship has continued throughout Connolly’s expansion into one of the North West’s most active access providers.
Over recent years Connolly has invested £4.6 million in TRAD UK’s Plettac Metrix and Altrix systems. The shift to System Scaffold now underpins around 90 percent of its projects, the company said, driven by faster assembly, modular design, and improved safety outcomes.
Connolly says the technology has reduced labour hours and offered more consistent stability and efficiency across large and complex structures. The system has been deployed across a series of high-profile jobs, including:
Rylands Building, Manchester –A Grade II-listed landmark requiring sensitive access solutions in a busy urban environment.
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol – Connolly designed bespoke pods fixed to the land chains to support essential maintenance work.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Barrington Road, Altrincham – A combined Altrix rolling and fixed roof system provided full weather protection.
Century Buildings, Manchester – Modular scaffolding allowed rapid assembly in a constrained city-centre location.
Haigh Hall, Wigan – A major Altrix roof installation requiring significant engineering to manage load transfer over hidden voids and underground services.
The new £3.5 million agreement will expand Connolly’s system scaffold fleet and support future projects across the UK.
Wayne Connolly and Colin Dobson
Wayne Connolly, Managing Director of Connolly Scaffolding Ltd, said the partnership has played a central role in the company’s growth.
“System Scaffold has allowed us to push boundaries, improve safety and achieve efficiencies that benefit both our clients and our teams. This latest investment reflects our commitment to innovation and our confidence in TRAD UK as a trusted partner for the future.”
Colin Dobson, Managing Director of TRAD UK, said both companies have grown together over the past two decades.
“The success of our relationship was strengthened with the introduction of Plettac Metrix into the UK marketplace and Connolly’s early adoption of the system. We now look forward to strengthening our partnership further and continuing our winning relationship for many years to come.”
Scaffmag understands the investment will support Connolly’s nationwide project pipeline and maintain TRAD UK’s position as a key systems supplier to the firm.
A German construction technology firm has launched an AI-powered voice assistant designed to help site teams cut paperwork and speed up reporting.Benetics, based in Munich, says its new app allows workers to speak naturally while on site. The software then transcribes what’s said, organises the information, and turns it into structured reports with photos, checklists, and due dates.
The company claims the tool can reduce admin time by up to 80 per cent and integrates with other software already used in construction.
“Our mission is simple — to make life easier for people on site,” said Tobias Haendler, Benetics’ chief marketing officer. “Workers don’t want to write reports at the end of the day. Now, they can just talk, and the AI does the rest.”
The system, built on OpenAI technology, recognises voice input even in noisy environments and can translate task lists into more than 30 languages. Benetics says the multilingual feature was added following customer feedback during testing.
The app has already been rolled out in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the United States. Its UK debut took place at London Build, with several firms now trialling it on live projects.
Haendler added that the company continues to test other large language models, including Google Gemini, to benchmark accuracy and performance for construction-specific use cases.
Businesses can trial the app for free, with full access priced at £20 per user per month.
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Around 60 scaffolders, painters, insulators, and supervisors at the Sullom Voe Terminal in the Shetland Islands have staged a 24-hour walkout in an escalating row over pay.The industrial action began at 6am on Monday, led by Unite members employed by contractor Altrad. It follows the rejection of several pay offers made as part of the annual pay review between terminal operator EnQuest and Altrad, one of the main contractors on site.
Union members turned down a series of proposals, including an initial offer of no pay rise, a one-off payment of £900, and a later offer capped at £1,250. Workers are demanding a lump sum of £2,500 instead.
Picket lines were formed outside the terminal early on Monday, as Unite confirmed further strike action is planned for 15 December, and 12 and 26 January if the dispute remains unresolved.
The walkout marks growing tension across the North Sea supply chain, as workers challenge stagnant pay offers against rising living costs and record oil and gas profits.
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Investigators in Hong Kong say contractors used unsafe scaffolding netting at the housing estate destroyed by last week’s deadly fire, and then tried to cover it up during inspections.
The death toll at Wang Fuk Court has now reached 151, with more than 40 people still unaccounted for. Police warn some remains may never be recovered because of the intensity of the blaze.
Cheaper netting was installed after typhoon damage
The Independent Commission Against Corruption says workers bought 2,300 rolls of low-grade netting that failed fire-safety standards after a summer typhoon damaged the scaffolding. To avoid detection, compliant mesh was later fitted only at the building bases, where inspectors usually check.
Seven of the 20 samples taken from higher, harder-to-reach areas failed fire-safety tests.
Officials admitted earlier assessments were wrong. Security secretary Chris Tang said previous samples were taken from sections untouched by the fire. Residents had warned the government about unsafe netting for more than a year.
Investigators also found flammable polystyrene foam boards on the towers, which helped flames spread across seven of the estate’s eight blocks.
Arrests as oversight comes under scrutiny
Police and anti-corruption officers have arrested 14 people, including engineering consultants, contractors and scaffolding subcontractors.
The Buildings Department has ordered all contractors working on external façades to carry out immediate checks on their netting and provide safety certificates within seven days. Officials say they have already inspected 359 sites across the city.
Campaigner and engineer Jason Poon says some contractors have started removing netting to avoid being caught. “You can see the netting being removed in Hong Kong because they are avoiding punishment,” he said.
Political tension grows
Authorities have warned the public not to use the tragedy to “fuel discontent”, invoking Hong Kong’s new national security law. Local reports say a man was arrested after calling for an independent inquiry.
Analysts say the government now faces serious pressure to show whether similar safety risks exist across other high-rise buildings.
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Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the academy has been shaped around local industry needs. “This innovative training academy offers a real opportunity for local people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the construction industry,” she said. She noted that employers across the area continue to face shortages in key roles, particularly in scaffolding.
Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the academy has been shaped around local industry needs. “This innovative training academy offers a real opportunity for local people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the construction industry,” she said. She noted that employers across the area continue to face shortages in key roles, particularly in scaffolding.
For Alimak, the partnership adds further technical depth to its existing offer. The company already supplies a broad portfolio of hoists, mast climbers and transport platforms, backed by its connected management platform, My Alimak.
The system gives users real-time equipment diagnostics, asset tracking, BIM integration and safety tools to help maintain uptime across large fleets.
Cameron Reid, Sales Director at Alimak Group’s Construction Division, said the agreement formalises a long-standing relationship. “Alimak Group and CAS have a long history of working together,” he said.
“This agreement reflects our continued commitment to safe, efficient vertical access and outstanding customer service in high-rise construction.”
Both organisations say the partnership strengthens their ability to support large-scale projects, from towers to data centres, with a coordinated system that combines design expertise and global service capability.
